About The Park

When the swim area was constructed, a secondary dam was built to provide an inner swimming area complete with sandy beach. Never previously tried, this innovation made the swim area water level independent of the reservoir's, unaffected by summer draw-downs.

The lagoon won the 1966 Governor's Design Award for Exceptional Distinction for Recreational Development in the category of landscape.

Park Activities

The swim complex is open during swim season with lifeguard service. For current hours of operation and lifeguard service schedule, visit the Swim Facilities page.

The swim complex includes a bathhouse, vending machines, and the 1.5-acre swim lagoon. It is ideal for families with small children who will enjoy splashing in the shallows and playing on the white sandy beach. Inside the swim complex there are two reservable picnic areas. (Beach access fee to enter swim area.)

There are several reservable picnic areas outside the swim complex. For information, call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2.

Cull Canyon also is on the Chabot-to-Garin Regional Trail, which is being developed between the two parks. The trail runs along the east side of Cull Canyon Reservoir, then heads north for six miles through East Bay Municipal Utility District property to EBMUD's Chabot Staging Area on Redwood Road (an EBMUD hiking permit is required for this section, phone 287-0459). From here the Willow View Trail leads into Anthony Chabot Regional Park.

To Reach The Park

From I-580 eastbound in Castro Valley, take the Grove Way exit. Turn to the north (left) on Grove Way. Turn left onto Cull Canyon Road and continue to the park entrance on the left hand side.

From I-580 westbound, take the Castro Valley exit and continue west (left) on Castro Valley Blvd. to Crow Canyon Road. Turn right on Crow Canyon, then left on Cull Canyon Road and continue to the park entrance on the left.